Echoing the central theme of endless food this time of the year, this pata tim reflects the gastronomia of Christmas all around the Philippines.It was a few weeks ago when I attended the Christmas party of the Iloilo Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts Association at the Mansion Garden Restaurant. It was actually my first time in the said food place and can't help but reminisce childhood memories of a restaurant of having almost the same name - Mansion House along Calle Real.
It was both a party at the same time the induction of the new set of officers for the organization with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog as the guest of honor.
The new president of the organization comes from this restaurant so it was his time to showcase the gastronomic delights his place is known for and it started with this rich and savoury soup. At first I was hesitant seeing all the halo-halo ingredients but i ended up having another bowl.
A staple in most Chinese restaurant is battered chicken or simple fried chicken. Nonetheless it was good given its simplicity.Made even better partnered with fried rice.
A mixed seafood chop suey made its way to our table giving us a dose of veggies that night.
Their bihon somewat was bland or I could have had enough of more flavourful foods before I had a forkful of this one.
We also had this fish (bulgan?) simple delicious even with just soy and leeks.But the highlight of that wonderful dinner was the sinful pata tim that even by just the looks of it, you know how delicious at the same time cholesteroliffic it can be.
But Christmas comes just once a year and its always a great time to enjoy food anytime, anywhere.
Mansion Garden
2 P Gomez, Iloilo City
(033) 337 7243
Check it out on GoogleMaps